The University holds the historical landmark of being the original Redbrick University in the UK. Studying at UoB puts you in the company of a thriving student population that enjoys a wide range of courses and exceptional campus and research facilities. As you begin your journey, here are some important things for you to know.
Welcome Week:
As it is the norm across all universities, the University of Birmingham typically organizes a Welcome Week. This is usually designed to help new students settle in and get familiar with the campus and its facilities. This week will involve various events, activities, and social gatherings which are all geared at helping you meet fellow students and make new friends.
Course Induction:
Once the welcome week is done, classes will commence. During the first week of classes, you will attend a course induction, where you will get the opportunity to meet your potential lecturers, get an overview of your course syllabus, and learn the general expectations and assessment criteria of your course.
Accommodation:
If you intend to live on campus in university halls, take time to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of your choice of residence. If you're planning on living off-campus, ensure you have all the necessary arrangements in place before your arrival. This means planning ahead of time to ensure everything is sorted before you actually start. For the majority, the first year of university is ideally spent living in the university halls, but with varying circumstances, this can change.
Societies and Clubs:
The University of Birmingham has a wide range of student societies and clubs that cater to various interests and hobbies. Try finding the ones that interest you and give them a go. Joining social clubs is also a great way to meet like-minded individuals and engage in extracurricular activities.
Support Services:
The University of Birmingham offers a range of support services to assist students during their time at the university. Support services available may include academic support, mental health and well-being services, career guidance, and disability support. You can always visit the university website to find out more about these available services.
Library and Resources:
Take time to familiarize yourself with the university's library and online resources. The library is an invaluable resource for research and daily course studying, so knowing how to access and utilize it effectively will benefit your academic pursuits and impact your grades.
Campus Facilities:
Take the initiative to explore the university campus and locate essential facilities that will be part of your learning journey such as lecture halls, student support offices, computer labs, sports facilities, and dining places around the campus.
Budgeting:
For group projects or study sessions, tools like Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype or Google Workspace and Google Meet can facilitate communication and collaboration.
Public Transport:
Unless you drive, your main means of transport to and from university will be by public transport, walking or cycling. Take time to familiarize yourself with the bus and train routes around the University of Birmingham and the city. Birmingham has good transport connections, and knowing how to get around will be useful for exploring the city.
Stay Open-Minded:
For the majority of people, starting university is a time of growth and change. Be open to new experiences, embrace diversity, and be willing to step out of your comfort zone. University life is about learning both academically and personally. And above all, it is meant to be enjoyable.
Remember, starting university is a big step, and it's natural to feel a mix of excitement and nervousness. At any point when you need help, do not hesitate to reach out to the university's support services or seek guidance from your family or friends. Enjoy your time at the University of Birmingham and make the most of the opportunities that come your way!
Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!
Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.
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